Federico Di Francesco has denied provoking Douglas Costa into spitting at him and rejected suggestions he racially abused the Juventus star.
Costa was dismissed at the end of Sassuolo's Serie A loss to Juventus, in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, after clashing with Di Francesco in shocking fashion.
The Brazil international elbowed and headbutted his opponent before spitting in the face of Di Francesco, and was sent off following a VAR review.
Costa apologised for the incident on social media but did not include any mention of Di Francesco, while Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri indicated his player was provoked.